Issue
#02
TARIQ
VOL 19 ISSUE 2
APRIL 2015
this issue q SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM HUZOOR [atba] 4 q PEARLS OF WISDOM 11 q THE DIARY: SINGAPORE TOUR 32 q BRAINTEASERS 38
The voice of Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya UK
Rightly Guided
Khilafat
“
Khilafat and its blessings for mankind
The promise of Ahmadiyya Khilafat is an eternal promise. Those who will show perfect obedience will continue to witness the fulfillment of this promise. The enemy is blinded and cannot see God’s support and help for us.
”
Friday Sermon delivered by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih v [atba] on 6th June 2014
www.tariqmagazine.org
All names are from Left to Right Sitting (Ground): Hamid Chaudhry (Muavin Sadr), Sohail Chaudhry (Muavin Sadr), Hassan Ahmad (Muavin Sadr), Tahir Khan (Muavin Sadr), Jamal Akbar (Muavin Sadr) Sitting (Chairs): Hibbatur Rehman (Incharge MKA International Section), Farooq Aftab (Motamid), Farooq Mirza (Naib Sadr), Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad (Sadr Majlis), Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V [atba], Najm Khan (Naib Sadr), Hammad Khan (NaibSadr), Ashfaq Khan (Naib Sadr), Musawir Idrees (Mohtamim Atfal) Standing 1st Row: Usman Ahmad (Mohtamim Ishaat), Okasha Ahmad (Mohtamim Tarbiyyat), Tariq Hayat (Mohasib), Farooq Mahmood (Mohtamim Maal), Zanulabedin Khan (Mohtamim Tabligh), Yousaf Aftab (Mohtamim Khidmat-e-Khalq), Ataul Wahab (Additional Mohtamim Amoomi), Ali Khan (Mohtamim Seht-e-Jismani), Imran Zafar (Mohtamim Amoomi), Saqib Rasheed (Mohtamim Muqami), Abdul Qudus Arif (Mohtamim Talim) Standing 2nd Row: Numaan Chaudhry (Mohtamim Tajneed), Anas Rana (Mohtamim Amoor-e-Tuluba), Muzaffar Bhatti (Mohtamim Tahrik-e-Jadid), Kalim Anwer (Mohtamim Tarbiyyat Nau Mobaeen), Imran Mirza (Mohtamim Sanat-o-Tijarat), Ansar Ahmad (Mohtamim Waqar-e-Aml)
National Majlis-e-Amila MKA UK 2014/2015 with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V [atba]
2 TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
3
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
CONTEMPORARY MAGAZINE MONTH 20XX
3
Contents
Articles 12
An account from the biography of the Holy Prophet [saw]
14
An account from the life of the Promised Messiah [as]
16
Companions of the Promised Messiah [as]
18
True Caliphate
24
The Indus Civilisation
32
The Diary part 2 : Singapore Tour of
Incidents of Bai’at (pledging allegiance)
Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V [atba]
Regular From the Editor 05 Qur’anic Verses & Sayings of the Holy Prophet [saw] 06 Writings of the Promised Messiah [as] 09 Pearls of Wisdom 11 Introducing the Books of the Promised Messiah [as] 21
4
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
5
Editorial Dear Khuddam Brothers
[salam] The highlight of this edition is the special message which was given by our beloved Imam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul-Masih V [atba] for the guests present on the occasion of the charity cheque presentation ceremony which was held at the House of Lords in January 2015. The message of Huzur[atba] was not just for the audience present but applies equally to us and the world at large. As Huzur[atba] specified in his message that the meaning of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya is ‘to serve’, hence it is incumbent upon us to thoroughly understand this message and endeavour to meet the expectations that Huzur[atba] has of us all. On one occasion Hazrat KhalifatulMasih II[ra] addressing the Khuddam said:
Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya (UK) Baitul Futuh, 181 London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5HF Tel: 020 8687 7843 Fax: 020 8687 7889 Email: tariqmagazine@khuddam.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1135657
‘Never think that people do not appreciate your work. You should serve for the sake of God Almighty and not [for the recognition by] people; the aim of your life should be to attain the love of Allah the Exalted and serving humanity. If you do this then there will be no doubt left in your success. It is unnecessary for you to offer your service only at times of natural calamities; in fact a believer should always supplicate to Allah the Exalted to spare the world from such calamities. Opportunities to serve humanity are always available, for example bringing medicine for the sick, helping out the poor, the needy and the widows. All these are tasks that you can carry out at any time and these should be a permanent feature of your programmes.’
Sadr Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya UK Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib
Editor Hamid Chaudhry Mohtamim Ishaat
May Allah the Exalted enable us to serve mankind in the best possible way and become exemplary role models for the rest of the world. [ameen]
Usman Ahmad
This edition also carries on the theme of Khilafat from the previous edition, and the article on page 18 focuses on the current issue relating to self-proclaimed caliph. Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V[atba] has used various occasions around the world to impart a critical message to people from all walks of life and that is to strive for peace. Referring to the ISIS Huzur[atba] at the Peace Symposium 2014 held on 8 November 2014 in Baitul-Futuh Mosque, he said;
Abdul Qudus Arif
‘Over the past year one particular group has viciously spread its network of terror and has become a cause of major concern for the world. I am speaking of the group of extremists commonly known as ISIS. The actions of this extremist group are not only impacting Muslim countries but also countries in Europe and further afield are also being affected by its brutalities. We see a disturbing number of Muslim youths from Europe and other parts of the world who have somehow come to believe that ISIS represents a true picture of Islam and support their ideology. For these reasons they have resolved to help and to even fight for them.’ By the Grace of Allah the Exalted we are under the divine guidance of our beloved Huzur[atba] who directs us in every aspect of our lives and thus keeps us on the right path. May Allah enable us all to remain attached to this blessed institution of Khilafat and be its humble servants. May Allah also enable us to defend and spread the true message of Islam to the entire world. [ameen]
[wasalam] Hamid Chaudhry
Editorial Team Ghalib Khan Damir Rafi
Proof Reading Zafrulah Khan Abdul Qudus Arif Adeel Shah Design and Layout Muhammad Akram Anjum Waleed Dawood Naumaan Hadi Daud Ahmad Hafiz
Tariq Magazine is published by Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya (UK), the youth organisation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK in Islam. Some of the views expressed by contributors may not be the representative views of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya (UK), or the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK.
6
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
Qur’anic Verse
And He it is Who has made you successors of others on the earth and has exalted some of you over the others in degrees of rank, that He may try you by that which He has given you. Surely, thy Lord is quick in punishment; and surely He is Most Forgiving, Merciful. Al-An`am Chapter 6 : Verse 166
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
7
Sayings of the Holy Prophet [saw]
Hazrat Hudaifa[ra] relates that: ”People would question the Holy Prophet[saw] about the future prosperity of Islam whereas I would always inquire about any future unrest”. He goes onto say that, On one occasion I asked ”Messenger of Allah!Allah has blessed us with tremendous success. However, will this success ever be proceeded by a state of turmoil and unrest as existed before (the advent of Islam)”. He replied, ”Yes”. I then asked, ”What will happen then”. He answered, ”....schisms will be created within the Muslim community. If in these times any Caliph of Allah is to be found on the face of the earth then you should obey him even if he were to cause you injury or appropriate your wealth. But if there should be no such Caliph then withdraw from society and die clinging to the trunk of a tree, i.e. keep away from the people.” Mustadrik Imam Hakim, Kitabul-Fitn-wal-Mlahim, vol. 4, page 432 - 433
8
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
9
Writings of the Promised Messiah [as]
Purpose for the Establishment of the Jama‘at
T
he purpose of God Almighty in setting up this Jama‘at is that the true understanding of God, which has disappeared from the world, and true righteousness and purity, which are not to be found in this age, might be re-established. Arrogance is rife throughout the world. The divines are caught in the pride and vanity of their learning. You find that the condition of the mendicants belies their objectives. They are wholly unconcerned with self-improvement, and all the disciplines which they have devised are error and innovation. They are only words and form and have no spiritual reality. Their exercises and devotion have a different form altogether like meaningless repetitions which cannot be traced back to the Holy Prophet[saw]. I find that they pay no attention to inner purification, nor can their artificial disciplines purify their hearts, nor can they acquire the light of true understanding through them. This age has become empty of true righteousness and purity. The way of the Holy Prophet[saw], which is the means of purification, has been discarded. Now God Almighty desires that the time of Prophethood should be revived in this age and the same righteousness and purity should be re-established. Thus, the purpose of God Almighty in setting up this Jama‘at is that through it the lost understanding might be re-established in the world.
The Essence of Islam, Volume IV, Page 274-275
10
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
11
Pearls of Wisdom
Allah has stated in the Holy Qur’an: ‘Allah burdens not any soul beyond its capacity…’ (2:287) This Quranic verse explains that God does not give commandments which are beyond human capacity. Thus the responsibility of putting the commandments in practice is obvious and a believer cannot make excuses that such and such commandment is beyond his capacity. If we believe in God then it is an essential part of our belief that all He commands is within our capacity and we should make an effort to practice it in accordance with our individual capacity. People have varying levels of intelligence; some have more capacities than others. This can be seen in worldly matters, some people have high level of ability, some have mediocre while some lag behind. Some people excel in one particular profession while others excel in another profession. In education people are inclined to different subjects. All these are natural aspects. All people are not the same. Neither God created them the same nor do circumstances allow them to be the same. Even with equal opportunities provided, some people excel while other lag behind. Factors other than intelligence play their part in this. It is the same in matters of belief, some surpass others. It can be hoped that everyone would believe but it cannot be possible for everyone to have the same level of belief and practice. God does ask why people do not believe, however, the Holy Qur’an does not demand why are believers not like Hazrat Abu Bakr[ra] and Hazrat Umar[ra]. People have varying capacities and abilities therefore varying requirements are expected. What has been enjoined is that everyone should try and attain their personal best and no one has been inconvenienced in this process. The Promised Messiah[as] said that God does not ask anyone to accept anything that is beyond their capacity so that His commandments are not inconvenient to practice. It should be very clear that God knows the state of the inner recesses of our heart and no excuse about lack of knowledge, lack of wisdom or capacity will stand before God. Therefore we should keep it in view that we have to test our belief and our practice. The basic standard of five daily Prayers has been set and men are required to offer these Prayers in congregation. Fasting is also obligatory and if Zakat is due on any property one has, it is also obligatory. These are the basic standards on which one should test oneself. Many among us do not even offer daily Prayer appropriately. It is obligatory on men to offer it in congregation. Indeed, we cannot deceive God. Just as we try our level best to meet our worldly needs we should also try our level best for matters religious and we should try to increase our capacities.
Extract from Friday Sermon delivered by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V [atba] on 30th January 2015 at Baitul Futuh.
12
CONTEMPORARY TARIQ MAGAZINE MAGAZINE APRIL 2015MONTH 20XX
An account from the biography of the Holy Prophet [saw] Extract taken from ‘The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets[saw] by Hazrat Mirzā Bashīr Ahmad M.A.[ra]’ Volume I, Page 315-318
W
hen all the Muslims had migrated to Madīnah, due to their previous actions, the Quraish suspected that the exile of all the Muslims in this way will surely bring about progress for Muslims. In addition to this, they were also furious that this ‘prey’ had slipped their hands. Therefore, in their own manner, they thought that such a plan should be employed as will expunge this dispensation once and for all, so that retaliation to their cruelties no longer remains a possibility. The Holy Prophet[saw] was still in Makkah awaiting the permission of Allāh the Exalted to migrate. The Makkans thought of this as a perfect opportunity, that all the Muslims have left and Muhammad[saw] is as if all alone without support. They gathered in their national place of consultation, that is, the DārunNadwah, and began to deliberate as to what should be done. There were approximately 100 men of the Quraish who partook in this deliberation. For some time, the mutual discussions continued and finally Abū Jahl bin Hishām said and to which all agreed:
”My opinion is that one young man should be selected from every tribe of the Quraish each, and they should be given swords. Then these people should attack Muhammad together as one man, and murder him. In this manner, his blood shall be distributed throughout all the tribes of the Quraish, and the Banū ‘Abdi Manāf will not have the courage to fight all the people. They will have no choice but to accept his blood-money. As such, we shall pay that.” Here, these people finished deliberations to taint their filthy hands with the blood of the Holy Prophet [saw], and there, through Gabriel[as], Allāh the Exalted informed His prophet of their evil intentions, and permitted him migration to Yathrab. He was instructed not to spend the following night in Makkah. Upon receiving this news, the Holy Prophet[saw] left his home. These were summer days and afternoon time. Hazrat Ā’ishah[ra] states that ”It was a custom that the Holy Prophet[saw] would come to visit Hazrat Abū Bakr[ra] at our home in the morning or evening time.” That day since the Holy Prophet[saw] came at an odd time and in a state where he had covered his head with a mantle, Hazrat Abū Bakr[ra] said, ”It seems that there is something unusual about this day.” The Holy Prophet[saw] sought permission, entered the home, and said, ”If there is a stranger here, please ask him to leave for a moment.” Hazrat Abū Bakr[ra] responded, ”O Messenger of Allāh, these are your house-folk,” he said,
MAGAZINE 2014 TARIQ TARIQ MAGAZINE APRILDECEMBER 2015APRIL 2015 TARIQ MAGAZINE
”I have been granted permission to migrate.” Hazrat Abū Bakr[ra], who was in anticipation of this day and night, immediately said, ”O Messenger of Allāh will you take me along?” ”Yes” he answered. Hazrat Ā’ishah[ra] says, ”Until that day I had never seen a man cry in joy. But now I saw that as soon as the Holy Prophet[saw] said ”Yes”, Hazrat Abū Bakr[ra] began to shed tears.” Then he said to the Holy Prophet[saw], ”O Messenger of Allāh! In preparation of migration I have nourished two camels by feeding them the leaves of an acacia tree. Please accept one of them.” The Holy Prophet[saw] said,”Indeed I shall, but for a price.” Abū Bakr[ra] accepted, but in reluctance, and preparations for the migration began. Hazrat Ā’ishah[ra] states that: ”We quickly prepared the necessities of travel, and packed some food in a vessel made of hide. Then my sister Asmā’ took her girdle, or the ribbons tied on her back, and cut them into two pieces. She tied one piece to the food vessel, and one to the water vessel. For this reason, she is referred to as Dhātun-Niṭāqain or ‘the possessor of two girdles”
‘‘Through Gabriel[as], Allāh the Exalted informed His prophet of their evil intentions, and permitted him migration to Yathrab.’’
13 13
14
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
An account from the life of the Promised Messiah [as]
In 1893 a debate was arranged with the Christians. Their spokesman was Abdullah Atham, a retired extra commissioner. The debate was held at Amritsar and continued for 15 days. In this debate, as in all others, victory remained with the Promised Messiah[as], and a very salutary effect was produced upon the public. The debate was carried on in writing. The parties sat confronting each other and wrote out replies to each other’s papers. A curious episode occured in the course of the discussion which made friends and foes alike admit the transcendent nature of the Promised Messiah’s[as] genius or rather the Divine help which accompanied him. One day, the Christians, in order to embarrass the Promised Messiah[as], collected a number of maimed and blind people, and in the middle of the session presented them to him, saying that since he claimed to be the Promised Messiah[as], and the first Messiah (Jesus) used to cure the maimed and the blind, his caims to be the Promised Messiah[as] could be accepted only if he would effect a similar cure. They added that there was no need for him to go far to find the sufferers since they were already at hand.
The call took the assembley by surprise and people wondered how the Promised Messiah[as] would deal with the situation. The Christians were elated and thought that a stunning blow had been dealt and that their opponent had suffered a severe defeat in full view of the assembly. But when they heard the reply of the Promised Messiah[as] their joy changed into chagrin and self-reproach, and their fancied victory was turned
‘‘The Promised Messiah [as] never lost sight of his duty to God, Whom he loved with all his heart and all his soul. ‘‘ into an utter defeat, and everyone applauded the readiness and appropriateness of the reply. The Promised Messiah[as] said that the healing of such sufferers by Jesus was an assertion of the New Testament and formed no part of his own conviction or claims. In fact, for him the miracles of Jesus were susceptible of an altogether different interpretation. It had indeed been claimed by the New Testament that Jesus used to effect the physical cure of such ailments and that simply by a touch of the hand, and not by medicine nor by prayer. At the same time it is written that if his followers have but a grain of faith they can
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
perform more wonderful miracles than these. Therefore, it did not lie with the Christians to bring those afflicted ones to him; rather it was he who was entitled to present the sufferers to them and, therefore, with due acknowledgement of their kindness in collecting them, he now presentend them to the Christians with the request that, agreeably to the statement in the New Testament, if they had in them faith as a grain of mustard seed, they should place their hands on them and command them to be whole. If they were cured, then he would be convinced that they and their faith were true. If, however, they failed and could not come up to their own pretensions, then no one could possibly believe in their truth. The rejoinder made a great impression and the Christians were altogether dumfound and hastened to change the topic.
When a person establishes himself firmly on faith and then seeks to foster his knowledge through prayer, worship, reflection and observation, God Almighty Himself becomes his Guardian, and, taking him by the hand, leads him from the stage of faith to that of Ain-ulYaqin (certainty by sight).
15
16
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
Companions of the Promised Messiah [as] Incidents of Bai’at
Extract taken from Friday Sermon by Hazrat Kalifatul-Masih V [atba] on 16/07/2010
Hadhrat Sufi Nabi Baksh sahib[ra], son of Abdul Samad sahib: He took his bai’at in December 1891 and he probably saw the Promised Messiah[as] for the first time in 1886.
another booklet ‘Aasmani Faisla’. Later, this booklet was read out at the first ever Jalsa held at Qadian which the narrator had the privilege to be invited to and there were about 80 members in attendance.
He says when the Promised Messiah[as] arrived at the Jalsa and he took one look at his face, he immediately recognised him as his heart felt electrified when he recalled that this was the blessed face he had seen in a dream in his student days and was attired in the very same clothes that he had seen in his dream.
He writes that he first visited Qadian in 1886 to investigate about a poster He writes, in those days I was that the Promised Messiah[as] had Mohtamim book shop for Anjuman published announcing that he would be Himayete-Islam Lahore and alongside At the end of the Jalsa the Promised granted a son who would be a source my regular job used to help out the Messiah[as] shook hand with everyone of blessing for and the narrator was many nations. the last to shake Lekh Ram his hand for he had ‘‘He says when the Promised Messiah[as] arrived at the Peshawri had something special to Jalsa and he took one look at his face, he immediately also published a say. He submitted that recognised him as his heart felt electrified when he poster against he had already taken the Promised bai’at on someone’s recalled that this was the blessed face he had seen in Messiah[as]. hand, what was the a dream in his student days and was attired in the very instruction for him. Later, the same clothes that he had seen in his dream.’’ The Promised Promised Messiah[as] told him Messiah[as] published three booklets one after the organisation considering it as relegious that if the person he had taken bai’at of was pious then his [second] bai’at would other, ‘Fateh Islam, ‘Tauzeeh Maram’ service. When I reached Qadian be ‘light upon light’ and if the person was and ‘Izalah Auham’ and therein proved there were a lot of other members not pious then his bai’at would be annulled that Hazrat Isa[as] had passed away of Anjuman Himayet also present and will not come back to this earth in alongside me. Asmani Faisla was read and the Promised Messiah’s[as] bai’at would remain. I requested that I want to do his physical form and that he himself out at this Jalsa and as far as I can bai’at. Huzur[as] said that he will call me was the manifestation of the coming remember it was read out by Maulwi and after a while Hamid Ali Sahib who was of the Promised Messiah. This was Abdul Karim Sahib. The Jalsa was held followed by an uproar of unbelief from in the big mosque which is now known khadim of Huzur[as] came to call me and then I was able to do bai’at on the hand of the mullahs and they issued fatwas of as Masjid Aqsa. the Promised Messiah[as]. kufr. The Promised Messiah[as] wrote
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
“Nations cannot be reformed without the reformation of the youth” Hazrat Musleh Maud [ra]
Mashal-e-Raah Therefore, I would like to inquire from the youth if their life is busy in works according to their claim? Their claim is that they will bring the entire world under the banner of Islam, yet their practical example does not reflect this; some among them are weak in remembering Allah; some are negligent with their prayers; (few) care for religious study, (instead) are continuously making idle talk. They have been given a great responsibility, but they do not seem to realise this; they pay little attention toward this task…….. so, (the youth should) increase their resolve, and if even a minute is lost in vain then consider it to be (akin to) death. Every night before sleeping, (they should) contemplate upon the amount of work they may have done. If every day this accountability of deeds is carried out then a sense (of striving) is achieved, and only then their presence will be beneficial for the Jama’at. Otherwise as a person who tries to injure the Himalayas is considered insane, similarly they will also be named insane. Rather the reality is such that their work is far greater than the Himalayas, and if they do not desire to be called insane then (they should) develop the habit of hard work and sacrifice. Mashal-e-Raah, Volume 1, Page 500-501
17
18
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
True Caliphate part 2 By Abdul Ghalib Khan, Manchester North
Islam is maligned today like never before. Through the ages, attacks aimed at this beautiful religion have taken various guises, developing from satirical stage shows caricaturing our noble Prophet Muhammad[saw] to the constant barrage of misinformation we witness today. In the pervading climate of Islamophobia, an ever ready press and public require little instigation to begin reviling the pure teachings of Islam. However, it cannot be denied that the cause of our religion receives no help from the actions of those who claim to adhere to it, not least by those groups who claim to safeguard its pristine purity through their acts of utter barbarity. Today, it is the blessed institution of Khilafat (Caliphate) which is portrayed as yet another vessel through which Islam supposedly aims to subjugate or wipe out the entire non-Muslim world. In the middle-east, IS have taken it upon themselves to overthrow governments and break down established national borders. They deem it their responsibility to impose the Sharia law to these newly configured territories. In the process innocent civilians are killed, often having been given the ‘option’ to convert or to die. The beheading of journalists and aid workers and the grotesque treatment of women has left scars on the very fabric of humanity, taking the status of their cause to a new low. Any semblance of decency from human interaction has been
removed with the masses consigned to a life of untold misery. Is this the purpose of establishing a Caliphate? Are we really to believe that this is the modus operandi of an Islamic state? Do any of these actions stem from a root found in Islam? These are but a few of the questions being asked today. To begin answering them, I would like to draw your attention to a fundamental principal laid down in the Holy Qur’an. It states in Chapter 16 verse 91: ‘Verily, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to others; and giving like kindred’ In this verse Allah the Almighty has given the entirely unqualified commandment to all those who submit that they must act with justice. This is a minimum requirement, with two further stages of development in submission described thereafter. The Holy Qur’an builds on this injunction. It states: ‘O ye who believe! Be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do.’ [5:9]
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
‘O ye who believe! Be strict in observing justice, being witnesses for the sake of Allah, even though it be against yourselves or against parents or kindred.’ [4:136] This is a standard of justice unparalleled in any law, religious or secular. It is absolute. It must be adhered to by state and individual alike. There is no scope for acting otherwise than with justice. Though as general principle, it holds even greater importance discussing Caliphate. By connecting the two in the Holy Qur’an, Allah the Almighty has highlighted the inseparable link between the two. In Chapter 38 verse 27 it states: ‘O David, We have made thee a vicegerent in the earth; so judge between men with justice, and follow not vain desire, lest it should lead thee astray from the way of Allah’ Thus Caliphate is an institution whichupholds
For centuries, generation upon generation of Muslims have left this earth having been disappointed in their expectation of the arrival of a bloody Messiah and Mahdi. justice, enjoins justice and is a means of establishing justice in the earth. We see a living example of this through our Caliph, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad[atba], and each Rightly Guided Caliph before him, who have enjoined justice at every level from individuals to international relations. In light of this teaching, let us look at the actions of groups such as IS in the name of a Caliphate. When Allah the Almighty wishes justice to be the central theme of a Caliphate, how then can Sharia law be imposed upon non-Muslims? This would be entirely unjust. Furthermore, it is the interpretation of Islam
given by IS that will be imposed in their state; in an age of sectarianism within Islam, it is likely that a great number of Muslims will also disagree with this interpretation and yet be forced to live by it. There is nothing further from justice. This compulsion is not the means by which Islam and obedience to God and His Caliphate are established in the earth. Had it been, there is no doubt that our noble Messenger Muhammad[saw] and his divinely guided Caliphs would have utilised it at the first possible opportunity. Instead, Allah addresses the Holy Prophet[saw] saying; ‘Admonish, therefore, for thou art but an admonisher;’ [88:22] That is why, even after being unanimously chosen as the head of the state as part of a peace treaty in Medina, when in this capacity, the resolution of issues and disputes was entrusted to him, he never imposed the Sharia on a nonconsenting non-Muslim party. Rather the Holy Prophet[saw] would, every time without fail, inquire from those involved, ‘Would you like your dispute to be settled according to the Jewish law or according to the Islamic law or according to the arbitration?’ There was and still is no compulsion in matters of faith, a point clearly understood by the Prophet[saw] of Islam, one the Muslims of today would do well to follow. In some sense I have put the cart before the horse. Without discussing the legitimacy of the ‘state’ established by IS, I have taken to task the law they try to implement within it. However, this aspect of their existence is rather more fluid than any other. The aggressive territorial warfare carried out by IS is ongoing, as is the rebuttal to their advances. As such, the nature of their state and its borders is ever changing and different to how we define them today. That said, there is still no place in Islam for the establishment of any state as has been established by IS. They have uprooted pre-existing boundaries and taken on the role of the aggressor in overthrowing governments and instigating wars. This is in clear contravention of Qur’anic injunctions and the noble example of the Holy Prophet[saw] and the divinely guided Caliphate which succeeded him.
19
20
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
Despite migrating to Medina in the hope of escaping persecution, the Muslims were not free from the Meccan idolaters. They were pursued and attacked and it was only at this critical juncture that permission was given to fight. ‘Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged — and Allah indeed has power to help them— ‘ [22:40] Furthermore, the Qur’an states: ‘And fight in the cause of Allah, against those who fight against you’ [2:190] ‘And fight them until there is no persecution, and religion is freely professed for Allah. But if they desist, then remember that no hostility is allowed except against the aggressors’ [2:194] Thus when fighting in self-defence or to remove oppression and persecution are the only times when Muslims may participate in war, how can anybody justify in the name of Islam any aggressive territorial warfare or usurping land? Moreover, an unbiased look at the early Islamic period will clearly show that in accordance with these commandments, no war was ever initiated by the Muslims at the time of the Holy Prophet[saw] nor at the time of the four Caliphs. Following whose example and on which authority do IS then fulfil their agenda? They certainly have no support from our faith. Yet it is all too easy for them to believe that they do. For centuries, generation upon generation of Muslims have left this earth having been disappointed in their expectation of the arrival of a bloody Messiah and Mahdi. The list of scholars in Islamic history who have propagated this myth is long and unfortunately reputable. Without a care for the consequences or knowledge of the prerequisites they have preached a bloody and violent Jihad as part of the faith. When the awaited Messiah[as] did arrive, his message of peace, the message of Islam, was rejected. Despite repeated attempts to educate both the Muslim clergy and laity on the true and deeper meanings of Jihad they
did not heed his words. A simple yet powerful realisation would have struck them if they had. Islam never has and never will require their violent Jihad or any kind of warfare to achieve dominance in the world. In [24:56] when Allah speaks of establishing faith in the earth through Caliphate or in [48:29] when Allah speaks of Islam prevailing over all other ways of life,it refers to the love of faith being instilled in the hearts.This is the only prevalence of worth. Hence, in the same verse Allah tells us that this would happen throughthe advent of His messenger. And when we look to the conduct of the Messenger of Allah in this regard we find it at complete odds with that prevalent today. Neither the Holy Prophet[saw] nor the Caliphs who succeed him utilised Jihad of the sword to spread Islam nor to usurp states. They did not need to. For the greater Jihad, the reformation of oneself, which found perfection in the Holy Prophet[saw] and his companions[ra] became a means within itself of spreading Islam far and wide. Their fervent prayers to God Almighty for Divine support, their noble conduct and the strength of the arguments vouchsafed to them, arguments rooted in a deep relationship with the divine, won the hearts of men across the globe. As a result, Islam spread to China, India and other far flung places without any wars and long before any Islamic empire ruled these territories. It must be noted that from the outset, Muslims lived under non-Muslim governments, outside of states run by the Caliphate, yet did not rebel against them. They were loyal and peaceful citizens. There is not a single instance in the early Islamic period of an uprising of the kind instigated by IS. To be very honest the list of un-Islamic actions carried out by IS is so long that a point by point rebuttal would require an article far longer than this. The treatment of non-Muslims (woman in particular), the murder, the brutality, the discord, the uprisings all find root only in their perverse minds. They hope to revive Islam yet succeed only in besmirching its name. Their ‘Caliphate’ will die its own death; it is a crying shame that in their mindless attempts to revive Islam these ignorant few have again maligned another of its beautiful parts. Nevertheless, it is still only through our blessed institution of Caliphate that this faith will once again shine forth in all its magnificence.
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL APRIL 2015 2015
21 21
Introducing the Books of the Promised Messiah [as] Sirrul Khilafa, The Reality of Khilafat
Extract taken from ”Introduction to the Spiritual Treasures of the Promised Messiah [as]”
I
n Sirrul Khilafa (in the Arabic language) published in July 1894, the Promised Messiah[as] has discussed the difference that exists between the Sunnis and the Shias on the issue of Khilafat after the Holy Prophet[saw]. He has given very convincing proof of the fact that though Hazrat Abu Bakr[ra], Hazrat Umar[ra], Hazrat Uthman[ra], and Hazrat Ali[ra] were, all of them, the rightly guided Khalifas, Hazrat Abu Bakr[ra] was the best of them all and he was like a second Adam for Islam. He says that to be very factual, Hazrat Abu Bakr[ra] was the fulfillment of the verse of the Holy Qur’an which makes mention of Khalifas. He has taken up the objections that the Shias raise against the first three Khalifas and has answered them at some length. He calls upon those who differ with him on this view, for a Prayer Duel, and if the result of this Prayer goes against him, he says he will admit that he is not a truthful person and he will also offer a prize of 5000 rupees. None came forward. He also explains the prophecy about the appearance of Mahdi and proves to his readers his own claim to be that person. The reason why this book was written in Arabic was to expose the hollowness of the claim of Maulvi Mohammad Hussain and others to be great learned people. They were given twenty-seven days to write a book like this one and were offered a prize of 27 rupees - one rupee per day. Nobody took up the challenge and thus all of them left behind an everlasting proof of their being ignorant and incapable of doing what the Promised Messiah[as] could do with the help of God. In the first chapter, the Promised Messiah[as], deals with Khilafat in general and proves that the first 3 Khalifas of Islam were without any shadow of
doubt, rightly guided Khalifas. He vehemently condemns the ideas of the Shias to the effect that the first three Khalifas were usurpers and proves very convincingly that nobody had the right to be Khalifas in their place. He cites the Holy Qur’an and he also quotes the Hadith to prove his case. In the second chapter he draws the attention of his readers to the advent of Mahdi whom he calls the Adam of the Ummat and the Khatam of the Imams. He tells them to look into the conditions of times and try to realise if the Mahdi should not have appeared to reform the world. He points out that he is the Mahdi who was promised and explains the significance of his being called Jesus Christ[as]. The main part of the book is in the Arabic language with an announcement in Urdu. This announcement refers to the challenge that he had thrown to Maulvi Mohammad Hussain and others with a handsome prize. At the end of the book the Promised Messiah[as] has addressed a letter to the learned people and appealed to them that they should not take decisions about him in haste. He says that he has been called Jesus[as] through revelation and it is simply not possible that having heard this thing from God he should ignore it or make a retreat. He further remarks that his opponents neither turn to the Holy Qur’an nor do they pay heed to the Hadith, they have shifted from the right path. He also draws the attention of the people to the fact that though all sorts of plans were made against him, it is he who has been safe and secure while the opponents have been the sufferers. He points to their mistaken view that when the Angels descend their places in the heaven are left vacant, for they come down with their physical bodies. He refutes this view and explains how the angels work with their influences and impact. He tells them to use the common sense, for the beauty of Islam is that it is in complete accordance with our nature. He prays to God for His pleasure which he says can be had by following the Holy Prophet[saw].
22
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
Atfal National Football On Saturday 29th November 2014 by the Grace of Allah the National Atfal Tournament was held in Parmiter’s School, Watford and was hosted by Hertfordshire Region. This was the first time the National Atfal Football tournament was held separately to the Khuddam event. 13 teams participated from 11 regions. These were then split into a group of 4 and three groups of 3 teams. The draw was done prior to the event, and a schedule for the first round matches was distributed to all team managers prior to the tournament. The final took place between Tahir Ragion and Baitul Futuh A, with Baitul Futuh A winning the tournament.
MKA Midlands Markaz Visit By the Grace of Allah Midlands region had a historic trip to visit Markaz on the invitation of Sadr Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya UK. The trip lasted 3 days as was held on the dates of 9, 10, 11 January 2015 which was hosted by Tahir Region and attended by 55 Khuddam. All Khuddam thoroughly enjoyed the trip, however the highlight of the trip was the historic mulaqat with beloved Huzur[atba]. Huzur[atba] very graciously graced the Khuddam with his presence for almost an hour and half which was for sure a life time opportunity for all. May Allah enable all Khuddam to benefit from this life changing experience.
MKA East Blood Donation Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya East region continued their good relationship with the National Blood Service by hosting another blood donor session on 6 January 2015. The regional mosque, Baitul Ahad, hosted over 100 donors from neighbouring communities and many of the region’s Khuddam also donated their blood. The NBS staff were, as usual, very appreciative of the hospitality received and many of the donors took the chance to look around the mosque and expressed their gratitude to MKA East region for continually hosting the sessions.
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
23
Scotland Bag packing On Sunday 30th November 2014, 8 Khuddam and 2 Atfal from Glasgow Qiadats (North & South) attended a 2 hour session of Bag Packing at Tesco Extra, Shettleston, Glasgow to raise funds for Yorkhill Children’s Charity by assisting shoppers in packing their purchased items.
Tahir Region Your Say By the Grace of Allah, Tahir region had the opportunity to organise another session of its very popular event ‘YourSay’ in the month of December. The topic discussed was ‘The Importance of Khilafat’ which was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants. Over a 100 people attended the event which was hosted by Sutton Qiadat.
Sheffield Street Clean As the world rejoiced in New Year activities, youth from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) Sheffield celebrated by praying to their Lord for a successful 2014 and to bless them with a prosperous 2015 so that they can contribute and serve their local communities. 10 Khuddam joined Jason Colley from Clean Shirecliffe Cooperative on 1st January 2015 to help keep Britain’s streets clean after the New Year festivities. Jason Colley said ”It is great to work with AMYA group that are more committed to making the world a better place for everyone to live in, than any other religious group that I have met.”
24
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
The Indus Valley Civilisation The Indus Valley Civilisation was a Bronze Age civilisation (3300-1300 BCE; mature period 2600–1900 BCE) extending from what today is northeast Afghanistan to Pakistan and northwest India. Along with Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, it was one of three early civilisations of the Old World, and the most widespread among them, covering an area of 1.25 million km2. It flourished in the basins of the Indus River, one of the major rivers of Asia, and the now dried up Sarasvati River, which once coursed through northwest India and eastern Pakistan.
There are three stages of Harappan Civilisation which are PreHarappan, Harappan and Post-Harappan known as Rojde, Desalpur and Surkotada respectively. Lothal, Balakot, Suktagendor and Allahdin (Pakistan) are the cities in Harappan civilisation that were the major ports of that time.
The largest cities in the civilisation were Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, with populations of 40,000. These towns had large temples, granaries, brick houses, and streets laid out in neat grid patterns.
MAGAZINE TARIQ TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL APRIL 2015 2015
25
5 Million Population The Indus Valley Civilisation had a total population of over five million. Most of its people were artisans and traders. Merchants were very wealthy and given extra political powers. The main profession of the people was trading and farming. Besides rice, wheat they also produced cotton, dates in large quantity.
The people of that time had great engineering skills. They discovered tin, lead, copper etc. Their town planning was also exceptional. They used bricks to build their buildings and they had a very efficient drainage system. Length, mass and time was accurately measured by the people of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Also the system of uniform weights and measures were developed by them.
Similarities between the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Egyptian River Valley Civilisation have been noticed by the scholars. First of all both the civilisations were dependent upon river system and flourished around the Indus and the Nile rivers respectively. It has also been found out that both of these civilisations had almost similar lifestyle and customs.
There are many theories behind the destruction of this civilisation. Many believe that flood, drying up of river, deforestation were the main reasons behind the destruction of this civilisation. Some people believe invasion of Aryans was the cause of the destruction.
26
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
Atfal National Football Tournament
Atfal trip to Imperial War Museum Manchester
Pictures from
Masroor Region and South Region Bucket Collection
‘‘To serve humanity’’ Masroor Region Fajr Fit
MKA Burton Local Ijtema
Germany and UK MKA National Amila Dinner
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
MKA Cardiff Litter Picking
MKA Lemington Local Ijtema
across the country
MKA Newport Litter Picking
‘‘To better myself ’’ MKA Tooting Community Work
MKA Peckham Local Ijtema
MKA Huddersfield Local Ijtema
27
28
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
House of Lords Mercy for Mankind Reception Report by Hamid Chaudhry, Secretary Charity Challenge Committee
B
y the Grace of Allah Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya UK hosted its first annual reception at the House of Lords, London on 28th January 2015. This event was held to showcase to MPs, Press and charities, all the charitable activities that the Majlis had carried out over the course of the previous year. The event was branded the Mercy 4 Mankind cheque presentation. This theme has been used to highlight to the public that all the efforts the Majlis does, everything they have been taught in regards to charitable efforts, have been taught to us by the teachings of the Holy Prophet [saw]. The highlight of the whole event was a message written by beloved Huzoor [atba] specifically for the event which was read out to the audience by Sadr Majlis. That message has been included in this edition of the magazine and can be found on page 4. The event was attended by Secretary of State for International Development, Justine Greening, MP Siobhain Mcdonagh, Mayor of Waverley and other representatives from various charities and media contacts with a total attendance of 120 external guests.
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
29
30
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
The Human Brain er Focus on Allah’s creation
The human brain is the fattest organ in the body and consists of at least 60% fat. The brain is made up of about 75% water. The brain can live for 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen, and then it begins to die. No oxygen for 5 to 10 minutes will result in permanent brain damage. There are no pain receptors in the brain, so the brain can feel no pain. When you learn something new, the structure of your brain changes. The average number of thoughts that humans are believed to experience each day is 70,000. Your brain uses 20% of the total oxygen and blood in your body. Studies have shown that child abuse can inhibit development of the brain and can permanently affect brain development. Every time you recall a memory or have a new thought, you are creating a new connection in your brain.
CONTEMPORARY TARIQ MAGAZINE MAGAZINE MONTH APRIL 20XX 2015
31
The Wise Old Man
‘‘ When they are young it is easy to pull them out but when they take hold they cannot be uprooted.”
A wealthy man requested an old scholar to wean his son away from his bad habits. The scholar took the youth for a stroll through a garden. Stopping suddenly he asked the boy to pull out a tiny plant growing there. The youth held the plant between his thumb and forefinger and pulled it out. The old man then asked him to pull out a slightly bigger plant. The youth pulled hard and the plant came out, roots and all. ”Now pull out that one,” said the old man pointing to a bush. The boy had to use all his strength to pull it out. ”Now take this one out,” said the old man, indicating a guava tree. The youth grasped the trunk and tried to pull it out. But it would not budge.”It’s impossible,” said the boy, panting with the effort.
”So it is with bad habits,” said the sage. ”When they are young it is easy to pull them out but when they take hold they cannot be uprooted.” The session with the old man changed the boy’s life. Moral: Don’t wait for Bad Habits to grow in you, drop them while you have control over it else they will control you.
32
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
The Diary Part 2 Singapore Tour
A personal account of Abid Khan Sahib (Incharge Central Press & Media Office)
On 21 September 2013 Huzoor[atba] and his entourage set off from London for a seven and a half week tour.
Dedication of a Khadim
MTA News coverage
One morning, I also talked to the Sadr Khuddam in Singapore. He was a very kind and sincere Ahmadi. Although he was aged 32 he looked younger and certainly looked younger than me, even though I am 30. He told me he had quit his job for Huzoor’s tour. He said:
One afternoon, as Huzoor arrived at Masjid Taha he called me over. Huzoor said to me that MTA News had still not shown footage of his arrival and I could tell that Huzoor was not at all pleased by the delay. I felt terrible. I had requested MTA’s help in producing the footage, but for whatever reason they had been unable to assist up until that point. Huzoor is always extremely kind and loving and overlooks so many of our mistakes. Thus on those occasions when he gives an indication of his unhappiness at something it makes you feel so much worse and the guilt is extreme.
”By quitting my job, I now have the ability to dedicate the full‐time required” for Huzoor’s tour. I did not have to think twice to quit my job. This week being Sadr Khuddam, serving the Jamaat, serving Huzoor is better than any job, no matter how much it pays in the world. If I do not set the example as Sadr Khuddam then who else will do the work? I do not need a worldly job – all I need is to serve the Jamaat and to serve my Khalifa.” I have given his example, but the truth is I met many such Khadim during that week. Whether they had come from Malaysia or Philippines or they were from the local Jamaat or from other Jamaats, their spirit was the same. Their spirit makes a person feel ashamed at his own poor behaviour, laziness, and the fact that sometimes we take blessings for granted.
I immediately spoke to Munir Odeh Sahib and I asked him to help and assist immediately. I was grateful that he and his team did sit down with me over the next few hours and we were able to produce a report about Huzoor’s arrival in Singapore which we sent straight to London and it aired the same day.
An amusing conversation One afternoon in Singapore, an Ahmadi came up to me and said: ”Aap kay kitnay bachay
TARIQ MAGAZINEAPRIL 2015
hain?” – meaning ”How many children do you have?” So I said ‘eik’, as in one, and he came up to me and hugged me and burst out with joy: ”Mash’Allah! Mash’Allah!” He said that: ”Looking at you I would never have guessed this.” I was surprised by his reaction. I said rather embarrassed: ”Acha.” He went on and said: ”You have so many children for someone of your young age and size!” At that point I knew something was not quite right so I said: ”One child! One child!” Upon this he said: ‘Oh’, quite disappointedly. He said: ‘I thought you said eight not eik’. I laughed and smiled and I said: ”No I am not the father of eight children just the one”.
Blessings of Khilafat – a personal reflection As a side note, on many occasions during the tour people would ask if I had children. It was very nice to be able to reply that: ”Yes by the Grace of Allah I have a son”. For many years people used to, quite naturally, ask this question. Whenever it was asked, I used to say ‘Abhi nahin’ in a quiet tone, meaning ‘Not yet’. Invariably, my reply would lead to an awkward silence and sometimes a look of confusion, where I could sense the person was wondering if we had purposely chosen to delay having children. Such conversations always left a slightly uncomfortable taste and so it was nice to now be able to answer affirmatively. Because of our personal history and the efforts and difficulties we faced over the past few years I can never thank Allah enough for blessing us with a child. Throughout the tour this was something I reflected upon a lot. Allah had accepted our prayers and even more‐so I firmly believe He
had accepted the prayers Huzoor had made for us and granted us a healthy baby boy born in May this year. Whenever I think about this it reinforces just how lucky we Ahmadis are to have Khilafat. I have given my own experience, but when I spoke to the Ahmadis in Singapore, I could see that they each had their own stories of how the love of the Khalifa had protected them and blessed them in so many ways. Truly Khilafat‐e‐Ahmadiyya is a unique privilege and gift from Allah.
Huzoor’s Mulaqat with Majlis Ansarullah On the evening of 25 September, Huzoor held meetings with the Majlis Ansarullah Amilas from Philippines, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. I watched and listened to the meetings from the side. Whenever I am fortunate enough to sit and observe such meetings I find them extremely educational. I always learn so much listening to the guidance Huzoor gives to the local office bearers. Huzoor questions the Amila members about various activities and asks them their forthcoming programmes. Throughout the meetings Huzoor imparts very inspired guidance about how they should conduct their activities. On this occasion, with the exception of Indonesia, the other Jamaats were quite small and so they required even more guidance than more established Jamaats. Huzoor very clearly reminded them that they must read and understand the Ansar Constitution as that is the first foundational step in performing their respective duties.
Huzoor explained the rationale behind the formation of the auxiliary bodies of Lajna,
33
34
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
Khuddam and Ansar and the reason why they reported directly to Khalifatul Masih rather than to the National Ameer. Huzoor said that when Hazrat Musleh Maud [ra] set up these organisations it was with the intention and objective that if there was any weakness in the central Jamaat structure it could be covered up by the auxiliaries, so that the progress of the Jamaat would never be slowed down. Thus the auxiliaries were set up as a line of defence and in this way the decision of Hazrat Musleh Maud [ra] to form these organisations was both very profound and wise.
Guidance to Indonesia With regards to Indonesia, Huzoor told the amila that they should target the smaller islands in Indonesia to do Tabligh because there is a lot of persecution on the mainland. Huzoor said that because those small islands were not under the control of the mullahs in the way the mainland was, we should try to spread and propagate Ahmadiyyat. Huzoor said the Jamaat should not hide away in fear, but rather should find avenues where it can be successful. Huzoor said: ”Wherever the land is soft, target those areas.” By ‘soft’ Huzoor meant that Ahmadis should seek to find those areas where the local people are accommodating and where there is less risk of attacks. Huzoor said the Jamaat should find and explore those areas and really seek to exhibit the message of our Jamaat and the beauty of Islam.
member should seek to convert people and that this would inspire other members of the Jamaat towards Tabligh.
Guidance for the smaller Jamaats Further, when addressing the smaller Jamaats such as Burma, Nepal and a few others, Huzoor said to them that even though they were small they must not neglect their duties to spread the message of Ahmadiyyat. He said they should not shy away from their responsibilities, but rather they must seek to increase the size of their respective Jamaats. Huzoor said to them: ”May Allah help you in every ambitious plan you make.” I really loved this point by Huzoor because it emphasised that the Khalifa Waqt has such a broad vision for the Jamaat. Whilst often we become concerned about how we can achieve even small things, Huzoor did not limit the Jamaat to small goals but rather he prayed that Allah helps the Jamaat in every ‘ambitious’ plan they made. Through this prayer, Huzoor was encouraging the Jamaat to take bold steps to try and spread Ahmadiyyat.
Huzoor’s Mulaqat with Majlis Khuddam‐ul‐ Ahmadiyya
Guidance for Malaysia
Huzoor also had a Mulaqat with Majlis Khuddam‐ul‐Ahmadiyya and again it was with multiple Jamaats.
With regards Malaysia, Huzoor told the Amila that they should strive for 1,000 new converts in the next year and they should make sure that each year they increase their Tabligh. Huzoor said that each and every Amila
One, Khadim asked if the Khuddam could use its financial reserve to set up a business and so try and make profit for Khuddam activities. Huzoor very emphatically rejected this idea. Huzoor said reserve funds could be used for buying property or to give to charity, but to set
TARIQ MAGAZINE TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 APRIL 2015
“
35
By quitting my job, I now have the ability to dedicate the full‐time required for Huzoor’s tour. I did not have to think twice to quit my job. This week being Sadr Khuddam, serving the Jamaat, serving Huzoor is better than any job, no matter how much it pays in the world.
” Huzoor’s Mulaqats in Singapore As an expression of love for Khilafat, a Khadim from Malaysia said to Huzoor that: ”We are very jealous that our brothers in Singapore are having this opportunity to directly host Huzoor.” In response Huzoor said: ”Even the Khuddam from Malaysia are doing duties here in Singapore. However, you should pray that the conditions improve in Malaysia so that I can come to your country in the future.” One Khadim mentioned that a lot of Chinese people were leaving Buddhism for Christianity. Huzoor said if they are not satisfied with their religion then why should they go to Christianity? Huzoor said it showed that we were not doing our job in conveying the true teachings of Islam. Huzoor reiterated that Khuddamul‐Ahmadiyya should go onto the streets and promote true Islam. Huzoor said that the message of Ahmadiyyat would satisfy people’s hearts more than any teaching and so we had to fulfil our responsibilities to convey its teachings far and wide.
Huzoor’s special guidance for Khuddam Huzoor said one thing that concerned him was that he had found that some Khadims were much less active than others. Huzoor said there were three points to follow to remedy this. Firstly, Huzoor said active Khuddam must make sure they set high standards and are regular in coming to the Mosque. Huzoor said that you cannot preach to another person unless you yourself are observing what you require from him. Secondly, Huzoor said there was no benefit to being harsh and strict rather people should be treated with love and compassion. They should be persuaded rather than forced into realising the benefits of staying close to the Jamaat. Thirdly, Huzoor said it was imperative that Ahmadis prayed for their fellow brothers.
To be continued .........
36
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
Q>A
Got any questions you want to ask us? Simply email us at tariqmagazine@khuddam.org.uk and we’ll publish the best questions with relevant answers.
Q>
If a person does good in life but does not believe in God, will they go to heaven/hell?
A<
We can’t ever say for sure whether someone will go to heaven or hell. However, in Islam, we do believe that Allah only ever judges people based on their capacities and understanding, and that the reward or punishment for people’s actions depends upon the intention behind them. So Islam’s view is that it is very much possible, if not very likely, as the person does good in life. But ultimately only Allah can judge.
Q> A<
Why Ahmadi’s can’t pray behind Non Ahmadi’s?
Ahmadis cannot pray behind non-Ahmadis because the Imam of prayer, during the prayer, is the leader of all those gathered for prayer. Following the Imam exactly and in perfect timing is very important. Ahmadis cannot pray behind non-Ahmadis because nonAhmadis are those who have rejected or have not accepted the Imam of the Age, and so thus cannot be the leaders of Ahmadis in prayer.
Q> A<
What is the concept of Veiling/Niqab?
The concept of veiling or wearing the Niqab in Islam is women covering those parts of her body which are considered to draw the attention of men. Men, on account of being humans, have natural urges which cause sexual attraction towards women both naturally and subconsciously. So that women can preserve their dignity as human
Question? Q> A<
Who is a Caliph & how is a Caliph chosen?
The Caliph, or Khalifa, is an Islamic term for a person who is the successor of a Prophet of God. Prophets of God bring new Divine teachings or come to return people to teachings they have deviated from. Caliphs are the successors of Prophets, who are elected by God to ensure continuity of true faith and religion. In our community there is a system of electoral college which was
introduced by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] and there are some conditions that have to be met in order to be part of this system. The members of the Electoral College gather at a specified place where voters cast votes, but it is God who guides the electors’ choices.
beings, and so they are not judged or harmed by men based on their bodies or physical appearance, Islam instructs women to cover themselves in public, except for the hands and face. The veil is not supposed to be worn at home, however, and nor in the presence of close relatives. The beauty of a woman is only for her husband.
dignity of a woman to do so, and places an unnecessary difficultly in the way of men who are Islamically supposed to restrain their gazes from women.
Q> A<
What’s the Islam take/advice of mixed swimming?
Mixed swimming is best avoided. Far from women covering themselves in public out of shame and modesty, mixed swimming pools are places where women it is deemed totally legitimate and normal for women to appear and exercise, hardly covered, in front of men who are total strangers. It is beneath the
If you require further clarification on any of the questions above then please do contact the Talim department on talim@khuddam.org.uk
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
37
Jamia Ahmadiyya UK will be holding entry test and interview on 28th and 29th July 2015 for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intake of students.
Qualifications: Minimum qualifications for the candidates are six GCSE, three A-Level or equivalent with C grades or 60% marks. Age on Entry: Maximum age of 17 years for students with GCSE or 19 years with A-Levels or equivalent qualifications. Medical Report: The applicants MUST submit a detailed medical report from the GP with whom they have been registered. Written Test and Interview: The applicants will take a written test and will appear before a Selection Board for interview. Only those who pass the written test will be invited for interview. The written test and interview will be based on the recitation of the Holy Quran, the Waqfe Nau Syllabus, and proficiency in reading, writing and spoken English and Urdu languages. However, candidates will be judged for their inclination towards learning and reading the translation of the Holy Quran and the books of the Promised Messiah[as] Procedure: Application will ONLY be accepted on the prescribed Admission Form available from the Jamia UK office. It must be accompanied by the following documents: Application must be endorsed by the National Ameer. A detailed medical report from the GP. Photocopies of the GCSE or A-Level results. If the results are awaited, the candidate must include a letter from his school/sixth Form tutor about his projected grades. Copy of applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passport. 2 passport size photographs. The spellings of the name must be the same as in the passport. Any change must be accompanied by the certification for that change. LAST DATE: The application for the 2015 entry MUST arrive by 30th June 2015. Applications received after that will not be considered. Applications should be addressed to: THE PRINCIPAL Jamia Ahmadiyya UK Branksome Place Hindhead Road Haslemere GU27 3PN
For any further help or clarification, please telephone; +44 (0) 1428 6471 70 or +44 (0) 1428 6474 73, +44 (0) 7988 4613 68 Fax; +44 (0) 1428 6471 88
38
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
Brainteasers
TARIQ MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
39
Jokes Curious Kids
Our six-year-old daughter, Terra, has a need to ask questions … lots of questions. Finally, one day, my wife had had it. ”Have you ever heard that curiosity killed the cat?” my wife asked. ”No,” replied Terra. ”Well, there was a cat, and he was very inquisitive. And one day, he looked into a big hole, fell in, and died!” Terra was intrigued: ”What was in the hole?”
Answers from last issue 1. Vision Only: B, C, and D for a cube. 2. Uphill struggle: D (because gravity is a downward force). Mind Riddle Answers 1. The river was frozen. 2. Push the cork down into the bottle. Then shake the coin out. 3. Both boxers are female.
Answers will be revealed in the next edition. In the mean time please try to resolve these and send in your answers to tariqmagazine@khuddam.org.uk Those who send in correct answers will have their names published on Tariq Magazine website.
TARIQ
The voice of Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya UK
www.tariqmagazine.org